Gary Sánchez homers, doubles against Padres

It has become routine that Yelich generally sits during Sunday afternoon games as a way to get him some rest and keep him healthy for the duration of the season. The fact that the Brewers are facing a left-hander in this one only fueled that fire. William Contreras will function as the club’s designated hitter in his place while Gary Sanchez starts behind the dish.

The acquisition of Bo Naylor in a trade with the Guardians earlier on Saturday seemed like a potential precursor to a Sánchez trade, but that doesn’t appear to be the case. Rosenthal and Sammon add that the Brewers view Naylor as another layer of protection behind starter William Contreras heading toward the postseason.

Naylor’s arrival seems to signal that Milwaukee is open to moving current backup catcher Gary Sánchez. The 26-year-old former top prospect never lived up to his potential in Cleveland, but he represents an interesting reclamation project for the Brewers behind starter William Contreras. He’s flashed some occasional over-the-fence pop, but needs to start making more frequent hard contact if he’s going to be a fantasy-relevant option in the future. It’s the type of challenge trade between two forward-thinking front offices that has a range of potential outcomes wider than the Grand Canyon.

This is a fascinating challenge trade between two savvy front offices and player development factories. FanSided’s Robert Murray adds that Blake Perkins is also in the deal. Naylor wound up back in the minors after Cleveland picked up defensive specialist Patrick Bailey from the Giants back in May. The 26-year-old former top prospect represents an interesting reclamation project of sorts for the Brewers as they’ll attempt to unlock his potential as more of a long-term gamble. It also seems to signal that they’re ready to move current backup catcher Gary Sánchez to another contender. Yoho has always been an intriguing relief prospect and he’s finally started to gain some traction at the highest level this season. He fortifies Cleveland’s bullpen as a solid middle relief arm, with the potential to grow into a more prominent fixture, for the next couple years.

Yelich gets a break with rookie southpaw Zac Thornton toeing the rubber for New York in this one following eight consecutive starts at DH. It’ll be William Contreras getting a night off from the catching duties with Gary Sánchez behind the dish.

It’s the third straight week that Contreras has gotten a breather on a Sunday. If you’re going to get a day off though, doing so against Paul Skenes isn’t the worst idea in the world. Gary Sanchez will start in his place behind the dish and bat fifth for the Brewers on Sunday afternoon in Pittsburgh.

Since he shoulders a very heavy workload for a catcher, the Brewers are careful to mix in off days for Contreras to get him off of his feet once in a while, with Sunday afternoon games being the most common. Gary Sanchez will start in his place behind the dish and bat seventh against Diamondbacks’ southpaw Eduardo Rodriguez.

Contreras sees as much time behind the dish as anyone in the league these days, so giving him a break on occasion to keep him fresh is always a good idea. Gary Sanchez will do the catching for the Brewers on Sunday and will bat sixth against a host of Cubs’ relievers.

Yelich takes a seat with lefty Nick Lodolo taking the hill for Cincinnati. It’ll be William Contreras getting a turn at DH with Gary Sánchez drawing a rare start at catcher.

If you’re going to give Yelich a day off for rest, doing so against one of the best left-handers in baseball in Chris Sale makes a great deal of sense. Gary Sanchez will function as the Brewers’ designated hitter on Saturday and will bat cleanup.